Weather forecasters are increasingly confident that Northwest Montana will experience record cold temperatures and accumulating snow beginning Friday through the weekend.

Snowfall amounts of 1 to 3 inches in the valley, with strong and possibly damaging north and easterly winds are likely. Places like Bad Rock Canyon could see gusts up to 50 mph, while Marias Pass is expected to see up to 6 inches of new snow.

"This is going to be a very impactful winter storm," said meteorologist Brian Conlan with the National Weather Service in Missoula.

Conlan said the arctic front will swoop across Northwest Montana around midnight on Saturday, causing blowing and drifting snow.

Wind chills along the Continental Divide will be below zero, with possibly record-low temperatures in the single digits in most valley locations.

Conlan said hunters should be prepared for opening weekend of rifle season.

"It's going to be potentially dangerous if you're not prepared," he said.

"This is exceptionally cold air for this time of year."

Areas south of Missoula will see the heaviest snowfall amounts, with places like Hamilton getting up to 8 inches of snow.